Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake: A Comforting and Delicious Dish

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, makes for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 4-5 minutes, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to make a roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme, and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Assemble the Bake:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and steamed broccoli.
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
4. Bake the Pasta:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the bake is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
If you’re looking to add more veggies, you can mix in some carrots or peas into the dish before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake:
Comforting and Hearty: With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Kid-Friendly: It’s a great way to get kids to eat their veggies, thanks to the creamy sauce and cheesy topping.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With creamy, cheesy goodness and plenty of veggies and protein, it’s a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this comforting pasta bake is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish, and don’t forget to share it with your family and friends!